A HORRIFIED woman has revealed how she was harassed during a terrifying sexual assault in a Southend park.

The 35-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous after the worrying incident, was walking her dog in Southchurch Park when she was approached by a man between 11pm and 1am.

The woman claims he repeatedly tried to get close, as she pushed him away, before she began to be followed as she tried to flee.

Essex Police has launched an investigation into reports the woman was sexually assaulted and touched inappropriately. Now, the victim is speaking out to warn others in the area and appeal for anyone with information around the incident on Friday night to contact the force.

She said: “I had just visited a friend, and so was walking home with my dog when I stopped for a bit of rest by a bench in Southchurch Park. I gave my dog some water and noticed a fox watching us, so I took some photos. But then I was approached by a man.

“I thought at first, he was just trying to say hello, but he got really creepy, getting close, trying to get me to sit with him, and trying to cuddle me. I repeatedly said no and pushed him as he tried to come closer. I was trying to get round him, as he continued to try and cuddle me and stroke my face.”

The woman managed to grab her bag, and start walking away when again the man allegedly tried talking her to a different area of the park.

She added: “I couldn’t go in the direction of home because I didn’t want to be followed home. The person I was contacting answered and told me to go to the entrance of the park, when we met, and they took me away to safety.

“I never feel completely safe day or night anyway, but being outside helps with my mental health. This is the first time something of this nature has happened. It was scary and has taken a toll on me.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted. It was reported the woman was travelling through Southchurch Park when a man approached her, tried to engage her in conversation and touched her inappropriately. The woman repeatedly told him to leave her alone.”